Rosie Arias
Founder/Creative Director of Whimsical Charm
What inspired you to start your business?
I wanted to make a product that would provide a sense of security to babies who had to spend the day away from their parents. I wanted them to feel as if they were receiving a hug from their guardian when wrapped in one of my blankets. My love and passion is embedded into every blanket, giving your bundle of joy a hug every time they cuddle with it.
What advice would you give to other women entrepreneurs?
NEVER GIVE UP!!! Single, married, divorced, NEVER GIVE UP!!! Work through sleepless nights but NEVER GIVE UP!!! Cry when everyone else is sleeping but NEVER GIVE UP!!! Let potential business partnerships turn away but NEVER GIVE UP!!! Your lifestyle will take a hit and turn your world upside down but NEVER GIVE UP!!! The challenges will make you a stronger person, keep fighting, follow your heart, maintain your purpose, and NEVER GIVE UP!!!
What women inspire you?
Tory Burch, Mary J. Blige, my mom Emma Arias, my Sisters, Maria, Luisa, Bertha, Maggie, Adela and my teenage daughter Mikala because they each persevere through every challenge they encounter in life.
What do you love about being a business owner?
That I’m following my heart and producing my product with love. I’m following my passion. I’m creating a product that’s keeping the world warm, one baby at a time. This is my paradise. My business location is a worksite for youth in underserved communities. I provide them with work experience in all aspects of retail, wholesale, and trade. I mentor them on how to develop their resume with everything they learned during their three month hands on experience at Whimsical Charm. My brand has a purpose of providing warmth to babies and inspiring our future generation to follow their dreams regardless of the situation they currently find themselves in.
What’s the hardest part about being a business owner?
The hardest part of being a business owner is the time I have spent away from my family. I’m building an empire for my daughter and that often means working late nights, holidays, and weekends. The same blood, sweat and tears that drive me also cause heartbreak with the family.
How do you define success?
Paying my bills. Proving to myself that I was able to accomplish what others thought I couldn’t. When toddlers and young children look at my product and think it’s the next best thing since chocolate cake! When parents see me at an event and tell me, “We have one of your blankets” When children hug me after their parents bought them one of our products.
If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
If I didn’t have to sleep, I would work more. I love what I do. This time would allow me to figure out who else I can help and how I’m going to accomplish that.
What are you reading or listening to now?
I’m currently reading The Golf Course Millionaire, by Robin Richter. I regularly read tidbits on marketing, growing your business, and self care. I listen to a lot of spiritual and business podcast.
What’s the best way to start your day?
Meditation and morning prayer. Every day after I drop off my daughter at school I either drive over to the beach and soak in the goodness of nature and indulge in a nice meditation or attend morning service at the local church.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
As a child, I had many aspirations. The one that resonated the most was the love for the entertainment industry. I wanted to become an actress so I can share my story with the world.
How do you unwind after a long workday?
When I can, I will relax with a bath after a long workday otherwise, I am absolutely watching an episode of FRIENDS and laughing my behind off.
What do you like about your workspace?
That I have everything in one place. My design studio houses my equipment, my inspirational magazines, and my fabric swatches. It’s a total zen experience when I’m in my space.
Fill in the blank:
When I face a challenge, I... step back and evaluate the situation before making a move.
If I could go back in time, I would tell myself… to surrender and pursue my dreams of designing a collection of wedding gowns.
The one thing I couldn’t live without is… my laptop.
By this time next year, I will be… in a larger office space, employing more youth in undeserved communities and providing opportunities to students majoring in Fashion Design.
The best thing that happened to me last week was… speaking to a friend who has watched me turn challenges into opportunities and is going to invest in me and my company.
To get my creative juices flowing, I… listen to music on high volume then I turn it down to help with my concentration.
whimsical charm
Whimsical Charm is a line of uniquely designed and personalized baby blankets, gifts and robes, for families who desire to provide their children with warmth, comfort, and style. Proudly made in the USA, their love and passion is embedded into every blanket, giving your bundle of joy a hug every time they cuddle with it!
